Robert Cecil Saunders Rhudy Jr.

February 19, 1936 - September 7, 2019
Robert Cecil Saunders Rhudy Jr.

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On Saturday, September 7, 2019, Robert Cecil Saunders Rhudy Jr. (Bob) died of complications due to pancreatic cancer at the age of 83.

Bob was born in Elkton, Maryland on February 19, 1936 to Robert and Daphne Rhudy, and was the oldest of seven children. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Connie; his children, Daphne, Robert and Becky; his grandchildren, Cicely, Wesley, and James; and siblings Lon, George, Phil, and Nancy. He was a member Malvern Hills Presbyterian Church in Asheville, North Carolina.

Known for his work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit, Bob and Connie owned several businesses, including a flower and Hallmark store, a wholesale and retail bait and tackle shop, and the Snowbird Mountain Lodge in Robbinsville, North Carolina.

Bob discovered and fell in love with bicycling in his forties. After a nearly fatal accident in which he was struck from behind by a car while cycling, Bob chose to retire, and he and Connie sold the lodge. He went on to ride his bike across the entire United States four different times, completed many notable century and double century rides, and competed in the Senior Games. Bob loved adventure, travel, and meeting new people. He hiked to Everest Base Camp at the age of 68.

Bob lived by the mantra “no whining,” and his friends knew him to be a man committed to discipline and hard work. He truly appreciated life and his good fortune. Any inquiry about his health or state of mind was answered sincerely with a “Never better” or “10 out of 10.” He loved corny jokes and remembering the birthdays of virtually everyone in his family and wide circle of friends. He will be missed.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s memory to MemoryCare, 100 Far Horizons Lane, Asheville, NC 28803.


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  • September 11, 2019
    S. Larson says:
    You'll forever be in our hearts. -- The Mountain Explorers Gang

  • September 11, 2019
    Ron Aliciene says:
    Thanks Bob being my Mentor and Idol. You enriched my life with your positive attitude, riding with me in your always red jersey, and of course the jokes. From the schnauzer to the insurrection joke. Rest In Peace my friend. The world lost a Truly amazing man .

  • September 11, 2019
    David and Karen Mouw says:
    We met the Rhudy's when they ran the Snowbird Mt Lodge and we were working in nearby Robbinsville. They were strong supporters of Robbinsville United Methodist Church where Karen worked, and always gracious hosts of ourselves, or church groups, at the lodge. In the events section is an uploaded picture of one of the hikes we took together to the white rock at the top of Shining Rock wilderness near Waynesville, NC. Bob was always up to the challange of a hard hike or bike ride, or anything else hard he came up against in life. I'll never forget visiting him in the hospital when he was unconscious after a car struck him as he was bike riding, and threw him clear over the top of the car onto the 4 lane pavement. How he ever came back from that to make a complete recovery, I'll never know. He had a lot of will power....that's for sure.

  • September 12, 2019
    Anne Kime says:
    My thoughts and prayers are with you, Connie, and family. We enjoyed spending carpool time with Bob.

  • September 12, 2019
    Chris Valery says:
    Bob, It was always a pleasure to see you at the dental office and i remember fondly talking to you about bicycle riding. Your positive vibe was so uplifting to me. RIP. Connie, my deepest sympathy to you, with love- Chris